It has been said that the six hardest words to say are, "I was wrong. Please forgive me." Many find it difficult to say these four words in return: "Yes, I forgive you.'
One of the lessons the little letter of Philemon can teach us is the importance of practicing forgiveness. I call it "practicing" because a forgiving nature doesn't come naturally.
We can be hurt by the wrongs committed against us. We might suffer loss. We might feel pain. We can be abandoned. Our reputation might take an unjust hit.
The person inflecting such damage might come to their senses. With sincerity of heart they approach you to seek reconciliation and forgiveness. They speak the six hardest words to say. How will you respond?
Perhaps you very quickly review "every good thing" you have in Christ Jesus. You remember the humiliation of Christ: His immaculate conception and humble birth; His unjust suffering and His cruel death and burial, You think of the price your Savior God paid so that you might receive forgiveness for the wrongs you've committed against the Holy God. You remember the grace of God in your own life. Then, through the power of the Holy Spirit, you extend the grace to the person who seeks forgiveness from you.
Reconciliation takes place between you and a friend, just as it did between Philemon and Onesimus. It will take you less than 10 minutes to read Philemon. Check it out.
